Portrait and some macro???

[la_vista_baby]

If you were to choose from the three and were hoping the lens to be used mainly for portraits and the first attempts at macro, which one would you go for?

Pentax obj. 50mm f/1.4 smc-FA
SIGMA 50mm f/2.8 EX DG MACRO (PENTAX AF)
SIGMA 70mm f/2.8 EX DG MACRO (PENTAX AF)

Any advice would be appreciated - I'd hate to get a lens and then realize that it is not any better than the kit that the camera came with.......


Cheers,
Asta

[dang]

If you were to choose from the three and were hoping the lens to be used mainly for portraits and the first attempts at macro, which one would you go for?

Pentax obj. 50mm f/1.4 smc-FA
SIGMA 50mm f/2.8 EX DG MACRO (PENTAX AF)
SIGMA 70mm f/2.8 EX DG MACRO (PENTAX AF)

Any advice would be appreciated - I'd hate to get a lens and then realize that it is not any better than the kit that the camera came with.......


Cheers,
Asta

It's a tough call, since neither lens is what I'd call ideal for both situations. For portraits, much depends on working distance and type of lighting you might have. If you're in confined areas, the 70mm is more likely not to allow full body shots, thereby restricting you to head & shoulders only. For macro, the tighter angle of view you'll get with the 70mm helps control background, plus added working distance.

The 50 1.4 would require using extension for use with macro. ProOptics manufactures sets for around $85.00.
This would give you above life size reproduction, but you'd have less focusing distance and slower aperture for macro.

Below are the specs for the 50 & 70 macros, showing their differences:
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro -Available to fit various bodies
Filter Size 55mm
f/Stop Range 2.8-45
Minimum Focus Distance 7.4" (18.9 cm) from sensor
Magnification 1:1
Angle of View 46.8°
Groups/Elements 9/10
Length 2.5" (64mm)
Maximum Diameter 2.8" (71mm)
Weight 11.5 oz (315 g)

Sigma Telephoto 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro -Available to fit various bodies
Filter Size 62mm
f/Stop Range 2.8-22
Minimum Focus Distance 10.1" (28 cm) from sensor
Magnification 1:1
Angle of View 34°
Groups/Elements 9/10
Length 3.7" (95mm)
Maximum Diameter 3" (76mm)
Weight 1.1 lb (525 g)

Good luck, and enjoy whichever you go with.

[la_vista_baby]

Thanks for the advice! I went with 70mm. It's not as fast as I'd like for it to be, but it will do until I can afford an upgrade!